If you’re staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort and want to spend a day at Magic Kingdom, you need to know the best way to get there. The easiest and most direct (free) way is to take the Disney bus from the Riviera Resort, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you board.
Most families pick Disney’s Riviera Resort because of its transportation options, such as easy access to the Disney Skyliner and to avoid bus transportation. Unfortunately, to get to Magic Kingdom, the Skyliner is not an option. It only travels to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Many families worry about wait times for the buses or traffic, but Disney transportation is set up to make your visit smooth and quick. So while the bus may not be ideal, it’s your best option!
Overview of Transportation Options
Getting to Magic Kingdom from Disney’s Riviera Resort is easy. You can choose between Disney’s complimentary bus service or arrange a quicker trip through a rideshare service (Uber, Lyft or Minnie Vans through Lyft).
Bus Service
Disney provides a complimentary bus service from Disney’s Riviera Resort directly to Magic Kingdom. The bus stop is just outside the main entrance. Buses usually run every 20 minutes.
During busy times, wait times can increase. Most guests wait about 20 minutes for the bus, and the ride itself also takes about 20 minutes. You do not need to reserve seats.
The buses go straight from Riviera Resort to Magic Kingdom. There’s no need to share the bus route with any other hotel.
Tip: Buses are wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly. No extra charge is added, and you do not need a park ticket to board. Service usually begins about an hour and 15 minutes before park opening.
Rideshare and Car Services
If you prefer more flexibility, you can use a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber. Open the app and set your pickup location at Riviera Resort.
Contrary to what you may think, it’s not usually a faster option. This is because rideshare drivers drop you off at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), not directly at Magic Kingdom’s entrance. From the TTC, you’ll need to take a monorail or ferry boat to Magic Kingdom. This adds another 10–20 minutes to your trip.
Rates change depending on demand, time of day, and traffic. Car seats may be available if you request them.
The best and fastest paid option is to use the Minnie Van Service through the Lyft app. This will be more expensive than a traditional Lyft option, but it’s operated by Disney Cast members and it can take you directly to the Magic Kingdom entrance!
Travel Time to Magic Kingdom
The actual bus ride from Riviera Resort to Magic Kingdom usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Sometimes, there might be small delays due to traffic around Disney World or if stops for Guests with mobility devices take a bit longer.
It’s a good idea to plan for up to 20 minutes of waiting for a bus. Combining wait and travel time, you should set aside 30 to 40 minutes, but during peak times or if you just miss a bus, you may need up to an hour.
A safe approach is to leave at least 60 to 90 minutes before your reservation or park opening if you want to be on time, especially if your schedule is tight. This helps account for any unexpected delays, busy crowds, or increased traffic around Magic Kingdom.
